Accommodations
The type of housing selected for your rabbits is determined by a number
of factors:
- The number of rabbits kept
- Whether they are housed indoors or out
- The available space
- The amount of money to be expended
Any container makes a home of sorts for a rabbit. Old tea chests,
orange boxes and crudely made hutches are ail homes to pets. In any
event, a rabbit given considerable free-running time is far better off
than one permanently confined in superior quarters. A hutch can never be
large enough to act as an exercising area, no matter hem big.
A good home provides an eating area, sleeping quarters and is sheltered
from inclement weather. A rabbit can be kept in superb health simply by
applying good hygiene rules and a correct diet.
Tile Hutch
Excellent hutches are available both for single pets and for breeders. Other alternatives are to build your own hutch,
or to have a carpenter do it to your specifications.
Single Outdoor Hutch
A substantial outdoor hutch is made from solid timber, either tongued
and grooved, or 1.25cm thick chipboard. This is then coated with a
glossy, non-lead based paint for ease of cleaning. One of the coated
woods can be used for the sides, back and roof, as these are easy to
wipe clean.
The hutch should be mounted on legs about 46cm high. This gives ample
air space below the hutch so that routine cleaning can be done without
your having to bend down. Two compartments should be incorporated in the
hutch: one a feeding and rest area, the other for sleeping.
Indoor Hutch
The above comments are applicable to indoor hutches as well. There is no
need to have the roof so well insulated or to have an overhang.
Breeder Blocks
If you plan to keep substantial number of rabbits, breeder blocks need to be arranged in tiers. Remember to leave adequate air space
below the hutches. Always have
at least one spare hutch in a unit so that the rabbits can be moved
around by rotation. The spare hutch can be left empty for a minimum of
ten days for thorough cleaning. Treat it with a suitable acaricide or
insecticide.
Wire Cages
Commercial breeders have used all-wire cages for many years. These arc
now being used by domestic breeders. The advantage is that they are very
hygienic and relatively inexpensive to construct. Of course, they are
only suitable for indoor use. Another disadvantage is that they afford
no privacy to the rabbits. They are also unattractive.
Size of Hutch
The size of the hutch depends to a great extent on the breed of rabbit.
Dwarf breeds need less space than the Flemish giants. A typical size is
122cm (48in) by 46cm (18in) by 46cm (18in). An outdoor hutch is usually
larger in dimension.
Morant Hutches
The morant hutch was designed to allow rabbits to graze on grass on a
rotational basis. The normal shape of the hutch is triangular, but it
can also be oblong. It is attached to a wire frame. The entire unit can
be moved daily to a new feeding ground. In this way, the rabbit can be
left outside during the day in complete safety from dogs, cats or foxes.
If of a suitable size and strength, the hutch can be a permanent home
for one or two rabbits. For extra safety, the base should be netted to
prevent the rabbit from digging under the edge. The rabbit is able to
graze on the grass that comes through the netting.
Rabbit Rooms
You will no doubt use an outbuilding for your stock if you keep large
numbers of rabbits outside. The addition of water and electric
facilities enables chores to be done in comfort and at night. Such
additions should be done by professionals. Be sure to get the approval
of local authorities and inspectors. Foods should be stored in airtight
and waterproof containers. A table area for inspecting your stock is
useful.
Bedding
The base of the hutch can be covered with a variety of materials.
Sawdust soaks up urine well, but it clings to the rabbits and their
food. It can also create nose and eye problems. Wood shavings do not
cling as much. However, more is needed re cover the floor. Paper soaks
up urine well, but it sticks to the floor. Straw, meadow grass and hay
are also all suitable.
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